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Venezuelan VP Delcy Rodriguez praises ‘consolidated brotherhood’ with Russia amid ‘serious threats of military aggression’ from US

Venezuelan VP Delcy Rodriguez praises ‘consolidated brotherhood’ with Russia amid ‘serious threats of military aggression’ from US

"Vice President of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez stated that her country is facing 'serious threats of military aggression' by the United States and thanked Russia for its support in the situation her nation is going through, during the virtual high-level Intergovernmental meeting with Russia in Caracas on Friday. The Vice President emphasised the strategic alliance with Russia, presenting it as key support in the face of international pressure. "Today, when Venezuela is under serious threats of military aggression, we appreciate all the expressions of solidarity that the Russian Parliament have given to our country", said the official. Rodriguez also denounced that the United States is pressuring third countries to limit Venezuela's air access, which she described as an attempt to isolate the country. "Once again the government of the United States pressures other countries because they believe they can isolate Venezuela, they pressure other countries so that airlines do not come to our country", Rodriguez reaffirmed. In addition, she highlighted the importance of strengthening air connectivity with Russia to promote tourism and economic exchange. "We can have more increase in flights Russia, Venezuela and Venezuela, Russia that deepen tourist exchange", announced the Vice President. Finally, Delcy Rodriguez described the relationship between Russia and Venezuela as a 'consolidated brotherhood', highlighting the mutual commitment to building a political model based on cooperation and respect for international law. Washington has significantly bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean since September, in what it says is an effort to curb drug trafficking towards US shores. Critics, including UN officials and human rights organisations, warn that any military action could constitute an unlawful use of force under international law. Caracas repeatedly denied the allegations and urged Washington to halt its military actions in the Caribbean. "

'We pray this improvement will last' - Fuel flows resume in Bamako after two-month disruption broken by Niger convoy

'We pray this improvement will last' - Fuel flows resume in Bamako after two-month disruption broken by Niger convoy

"Bamako residents welcomed relief from a crippling fuel shortage, as a Niger convoy under the Sahel Alliance (AES) framework ended more than two months of disruptions that had paralyzed daily life. Footage captured on Thursday shows traffic in the capital flowing smoothly, with motorists and motorbike riders refuelling at gas stations. "It was a bit difficult, there was no way to get around. The sotrama (public minibuses) were also stopped," said Kadidiatou Keita, a local. "I once spent two nights at a gas station waiting for fuel. Today, there were only two people in front of me when I arrived. I couldn't believe it. We pray that this improvement will last," added Lassine Kone. On November 22, a donation of more than 80 fuel tankers from Niger reached Bamako in an effort to alleviate Mali's fuel shortage while advancing AES efforts of self-reliance and regional solidarity. The fuel delivery comes as Mali's fuel shortage disrupted transport and daily routines nationwide, leaving stations empty and creating long queues of waiting vehicles. It comes after JNIM militants reportedly escalated attacks and blocked fuel convoys from neighbouring countries, causing shortages and disruptions to transport and essential services."

We came to guarantee Hungary's energy supply... and we did it! - FM Szijjarto says peace summit 'definitely in Budapest' following Moscow talks

We came to guarantee Hungary's energy supply... and we did it! - FM Szijjarto says peace summit 'definitely in Budapest' following Moscow talks

"Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said Budapest had secured guarantees on energy supplies, following talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Moscow on Friday. "We came here to guarantee the security of Hungary's energy supply, and I am happy to tell you that this has been taken care of. The Russian president assured Prime Minister Viktor Orban that Russia will fulfil its contractual obligations. This applies to both natural gas and crude oil deliveries," Szijjarto announced. He highlighted that flows through the Druzhba oil pipeline and the Turkish Stream gas pipeline were operating without disruption, which he argued protects households from drastic price increases. "This means that we have managed to avert the danger of Hungarian families' energy bills tripling by Christmas," Szijjarto said. The minister also underlined that Budapest received explicit assurances from Washington earlier this year regarding continued energy cooperation with Moscow. "The Prime Minister agreed with the US President in Washington that Hungary can continue to purchase energy resources from Russia," Szijjarto stated. "We have been granted an exemption from the sanctions, and today we have given meaning to that exemption." Beyond fossil fuels, Szijjarto announced progress on the expansion of the Paks nuclear power plant - Hungary's largest strategic energy project. Technical preparations remain on schedule, he said, with the first concrete expected to be poured on 5 February, marking a key step in the Russia-backed construction process. Szijjarto reiterated Budapest's stance on the war in Ukraine, emphasising that Hungary 'is on the side of peace' and wants the conflict to end swiftly. "The Russian president has assured us that if there is a peace summit, it will definitely be held in Budapest," he said, adding that Putin had assured the delegation that Budapest would host a peace summit 'if there is one'. The Moscow trip comes as Hungary continues to navigate its position between EU sanctions policy, NATO commitments and its own energy dependency."